New memberships, new signs for Monett Rural Fire Association

Friday, January 8, 2010Murray Bishoff

Monett Rural firefighters held a sign making party at the home of Board President Paul Wimsatt on Tuesday. Monett Rural has ordered 1,000 new blue signs, replacing all the old signs to show current membership. The first number on the signs denotes the district: 1 is west of Farm Road 1100 and north of Highway 60; 2 is east of Farm Road 1100; 3 is east of Highway 37 and south of Highway 60; and 4 is south of Highway 60 and west of Highway 37. Property owners need a membership for each non-contiguous property they own to be covered by the association. The new signs can be picked up by members at Huffmaster Insurance in Monett after Jan. 11.
[Times Photo by Murray Bishoff]

Monett Rural Fire Association firefighters made 21 runs from Nov. 30 to the end of the year, a major increase after responding to a handful of calls in October and November.

Firemen responded to four house fires in the final month of the year. Assistant Chief Phil Ogle said several of the fires were related to chimneys. He urged residents to get chimneys cleaned before seasonal use. Ogle connected other fires to Christmas trees getting too close to other heating sources.

Rural firemen also provided a mutual aid response in four other structure fires. Two runs assisted Pierce City firefighters, one on a home in town and another on Christmas day at the Mid-America Hardwoods plant on Highway 60.

Two other responses aided the Freistatt department. Firemen fought a house fire east of the John Deere dealership and brought a tanker truck to help fight a house fire in Hoberg with Freistatt and Mt. Vernon firefighters.

Rural firefighters also went to six vehicular accidents, one helicopter landing zone and four grass fires. Ogle said the grass fires were minor, causing little damage. Residents attempting controlled burns or burning trash on windy days caused the fires, he said.

Memberships are now due in the Monett Rural Fire association. Dues can be paid at Huffmaster Insurance at Seventh and Cleveland in Monett.

Preparations are also underway for a chili supper benefit on Jan. 23 at the Monett City Park Casino. The event will also include a silent auction for a rifle and a pie auction. Proceeds will go toward construction of a new fire station in the Monett Industrial Park.

New signs showing membership are ready and can be picked up beginning Jan. 11 at Huffmaster Insurance.